Bridging plug and setting tool therefor



April 6, 1937. Y A. Jjzscl-.IQKKE 2,076,314.' BRIDGING PLUG AND SETTING] T ooL THEREFOR Filed July l5, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ABT/1aed .ZSC/70mm' g 2 5 d 0 as .56 QQ .Ww Z 9 .6 .7- J 9 QIHYZ i :E N

"Elim Inn.

April 6, 1937. A. J. z'scHoKKE BRIDGING PLUG' AND SETTING TooL THEREF'OR` Filed July 115, 1955 2 shams-'sheet 2 Patent-ed Apr. '6, 1937 BRIDGING PLUG AND SETTING TooL THEREFOR A Arthur J. zschnkke, Huntington Pnik, caux., as-

signor to The Technvcraft Engineering Corp., Los Angeles, Calif., a. corporation of California `Appia-ation July 15, 1935, serial No. '31,392

11 Claims.

My invention relates to bridging plugs and setting tools therefor, and the objects of my invention are:

First, to provide a novelly coacting bridging not only manipulates the plug but also supplies the force required to set the plug in sealing relation with the well bore;

Second, to provide a setting tool which is hydraulically operated and may be associated with either a tubing string or special pump mechanism adbapted to be lowered with the'setting tool on a ca e;

l Third, to provide a bridging plug which is partcularlmeconomical of manufacture and which may be constructed for the most part from friable material such as cast iron so that the plug may be cemented in ,place and left permanently,

unless ity should be desirable to deepen the well, in which event, the plug may be drilled up with the cement;

Fourth, to provide a bridging plug and setting tooi therefor which. incorporates a novel releasable connecting means so arranged that theset- 25 ting tool is automatically disconnected from the bridging plug after the setting tool has performed its function of securing the bridging plug in position; v

Fifth, to provide a bridging plug which incorio ilorates a novel clutch mechanism designed to hold the parts of the plug in their set or well engaging position to which they have been forced by the setting tool, said clutch being protected from accidental release such as 'by mechanical engagement with a well toolon top of the plug;

Sixth, to provide a bridging plug incorporating a clutch mechanism which may be arranged for engagement by a special releasing tool such as disclosed in my copending application Serial No. 31,391, filed July 15, 1935, whereby-the` clutch mechanism may he rendered inoperative and the i plug released forremoval from the well bore;`

and,

' manipulating tool which is adapted to utilize the surrounding well fluid as a pressure medium, whereby-the hydrostatic head of theA well uid in no manner interferes with the operation of the tool or requires excessive pressure differences be- .tween the low and high lsides of the hydraulic elements of the tool.

With these and other objects in view as may appear hereinafter, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: A

plug and setting tool wherein the setting tooli Seventh, to provide a novel electro-hydraulici5 Fig. 1 'is an elevational'view of my bridging plug shown in its released or free position and attached to one form of my.setting tool therefor, in which the setting tool is supported and operated from a cable.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, longitudinal, and sectional view thereof taken substantially through 2-2 of Fig. 1, showing the setting tool and its connection with the bridging plug.

Fig. 3 is a similar sectional view showing the bridging plug and continuing from Fig. 2, the view being taken substantially through 3-3 of Fig. 1 and indicating by dotted lines the set position of the bridging plug.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view similar toFig. 2 showing in solid lines the connection between the setting tool and plug upon setting the plug and as the plug is being released, and showing by dotted lines the arrangement of the partsof the setting tool after the plug has been fully released.

Fig. 5is a transverse sectional View through 5 5 of Fig. 2 showing the gear pump.

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view through 6 6 0f Fig. 2 showing the setting tool clutch which causes the settingtool to disengage from the bridging plug when the operating element of the'tool returns to its normal position.

7 is a transverse sectional viewzthrough i-Jl of Fig, 2 showing the top of the bridging plug in elevation.

Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view through 8-8 of Fig. 2 showing particularly the clutch mechanism of the bridging plug and the releasable connection between the plug and setting tool.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary elevational view similar to Fig. 1 but partially in section, showing a modied form of setting tool adapted to be supported from a` tubing string and operated in response to hydrostatic pressure `applied through the tubing string. i

The herein described bridging plug as illustrated best in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 is built up around a tubular body member I of uniform diameter which y,is ,screwthreaded at its lower end to receive a packer body 2.

The packer body comprises a cylindrical upper 'portion 2a somewhat larger in diameter than the body member land which is adapted to receive a packing member 3 which may be inthe formV y vof a sleeve with its borebeveled at its upper and lower ends. Below its cylindrical portion 2a, the packer body 21s enlarged in diameter to conform to the bevel `of the lower end of the packing member for expanding the same as indicated by 2b. The lower end of the packer body is closed.

Above the packer body 2, the body member I receives a. slower slip expanding cone 4. Said cone comprises an elongated frusto-conical slip expanding surface 4a, terminating at its upper l5 end in a flange 4b which is undercut at its under side. An annular rib Ia formed on the body member engages the upper endof the cone to limit upward movement thereof. The lower part of the cone 4 is 'enlarged internally to iit over the cylindrical portion of the packer body 2 and is beveled atits lower extremity, as indicated by 4c to engage the upper end of the packing member 3. f

As shown, the packing member is expanded l5 into its sealing position such as shown in Fig.` 3 by movement of the packer body toward the lower cone 4. Various conventional packer members whether of the sleeve or multiple ring type may be used.

At the upper end of the body member I is slidably itted an upper slip expanding cone 6 likewise having an elongated truste-conical slip expanding surface 5a and terminating at its low.- er end ina flange Bbthe upper side of which is undercut. The slip expanding surfaces of the I two cones convergetoward each other, and are y adapted to be engaged by arcuate, wedge-shaped slips 6 having teeth in their outer sides. Two sets of slips are provided, one for each cone.

A strap or rein 1 connects each corresponding pair of slips by their larger ends. 'I'he several reins are secured at their mid-portions to a collar 8 which slidablyiits the body member I. The portion of each rein between the collar and lower slip is preferably corrugated as indicated b'y 1a orL otherwise rendered yieldable to compression' parallel with the axis of the upperrcone 5 and 5 conform to its bore. The upper ends of the v clutch slips-9c overhang the upper'end of the clutch collar la and a spring 8d is mounted therebetween to urge the clutch slips upwardly.`

. A guard ring 9e loosely rests on top of the clutch slips. Saidggu'ard ring is beveled in rnally at its upper side and is adapted to ngaged by a releasing tool, such as disclosed in my aforementioned copending application thereon, for the clutch mechanism.

' The above described clutch mechanism permits thef cones 4 and i 'to move toward `each cthei` and the packer body to actuate the packing membcr, but does not permit return movement thereto assume er: so that the bridging plug 1s :r/e

aset position suchasl in Figl`3 but cannot return to its releasedposition unless the clutch mechanism isrendered inoperative.

Near its upper end the clutch collar 9a is pro- 470 vided internally with an annular groove $1 which is adapted toreceive key balls'- of the setting tool described hereinafter. f

,"--,t The setting tool comprises a cylinder II in lwhicn'is mounted a piston lz to wmc is attachee a 4piston rod I3. The piston rod' extends below clutch surface 9b and the'outer sides of which are the cylinder and isprovided with a cross-arm I4 which-is adapted to engage the top of the upper cone 5. The lower end of the cylinder II is provided with a tting I5 having a screwthreaded bore of reduced diameter therethrough in winch -is screwed the upper end of an outer sleeve I6. Within the outer sleeve is fitted an inner sleeve II, both the sleeves are slotted at opposite sides to clear the cross-arm I4.

The lower ends of the sleeves extend into the clutch collar 9a 'and the outer sleeve is provided with a series of circumferentially spaced apertures, each of which receives a key ball I8 adapted to t in the groove 9! provided in the clutch collar 9a. The inner sleeve`l1 normally extends past the key balls to retain them in position, but

ing inner wall or bore. Fitted within the clutch ring I9a are a plurality of segmental clutch elements gage thepiston rod I3. The upper ends of the clutch elements I9b overhang the clutch ring I9a and a spring I 9c is provided therebetween. The

'clutch ring Isa is provided with a flange at its upper end which overhangs the end of the outer sleeve I6 to limit downward movement of the inner sleeve relative thereto.

The clutch mechanism is so arranged that the piston rod is free to move downwardly with respect to the inner sleeve, but when the piston rod moves upwardly, the inner sleeve is'pulled upwardly through the clutch mechanism and releasesthe key balls I8.

Upward or return movement of the piston rod is accomplished by a spring 20 interposed between the piston IZ-and the ilttlng I5. The downward or operating movement of the piston rod is accomplished by the application of hy draulic pressure against'the top of the piston.

As shown best in Fig. 2, this may be accomplished by a gear pump unit 2i which may be contained in a housing` Zia. secured to and closing the upperend of the cylinder vI I. The gear pump is provided with a centrally disposed driving geary 2lb and one or more driven or idler gears 2Ic. Intake ports 2Id extend into the housing 2Ia from the outside so as to admit the well fluid.

Discharge ports 2Ie leadsfromthepump downgland 23 and is suitably connected to an electric motor 2 4. The motorA 24 is preferably provided with a cylindrical shell and is spaced from the,

-neaa z's which is provided n che end' or; cable 21. The cable 11 comprises outer weight supporting strands and a central insulated conductor.

isb having correspondingly converging- -outer walls and adapted toilt around and en `,aumen As shown in Fig. 9, the cylinder Il may be connected through an adapter fitting 28 to 'a tubing string 29. By applying hydraulic pressure through the tubing string in excess of the well fluid pressure, the piston I2 may be forced down.

In this arrangement, bleeder` ports 28a are provided in the fitting 28, so that uid .levels within and outside thetubing string may equalize and permit upward or return movement of the piston.

The bridging plug is set as follows:

The bridging plug is initially arranged as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 with the -hook portions ol the slips 6 engaging the undercut sides of the flanges 4b and 5b; the packing member is in its normal or non-packing position; the sleeve I6 is secured to the bridging plug through the clutch collar 9a and key balls I8; and the piston is in its upper position with the cross bar I4 resting on the top of the upper cone 5.

The bridging plug and setting tool are lowered,

either by the special-cable or on tubing string,

to the desired level. Hydraulic force is applied to the top of the piston, causing the cross bar or arm i4 to push down on the upper cone, or 'thesleeve I6 to pull upward on the body member I and packer body 2, with the result that.the

two cones are moved toward each other until th'e slips 6 engage the walls of the surrounding cas-.-` ing, and the packer member has been expanded into a sealing relation therewith.

After a sucient interval has elapsed to insure the above operation, the motor is stopped. Sunicient clearance is provided between the gears of the pump to permit back ow of the fluid above the piston, or a relief port may be provided. This upper or initial position. As the `piston and its piston rod move upwardly, the clutch mechanism i9 grips the piston rod causing the inner sleeve il', to clear the key balls i8 which are then free to drop out as shown in Fig. 4, to disconnect the setting tool from the bridging plug.

Though I have shown and vdescribed certain embodiments of my invention, I do not wish to be limited thereto but desire to include in `the scope of my invention the constructions, combinations, and arrangements substantially as set forth in the appended claims.

i claim: l l. In a welltool; an implement adapted to b lowered within a well bore, and including elements adapted when moved relativelyto secure the implement therein; and a setting tool for said implement, comprising: a releasable connecting device for initially supporting said implement, a hydraulically responsive means for urging said elements in a manner to secure said implement, and a' releasing means for said device operative subsequently to said hydraulically responsive means to release theimplement from the Vsetting tool.

2. In a well tool; an implement adapted to be -lowered within a well bore, including'elements adapted when moved relatively to secure the implement therein, and an instrumentality for restraining said implement against subsequent release; and a setting t'ool for said implement, comprising: a releasable connecting device for` initially supporting said implement, a hydraulically Vresponsive means for urging said elements in a 75 manner to secure said implement, and a releasing permits` the spring to return the piston to its means for said device operative subsequently to said hydraulically responsive means to release the implement from the settingtool. y

' 3. In a well tool; an implement adapted to be lowered within a well bore, and including elements adapted when moved relatively to secure the implement therein; and a setting tool for said implement, comprising: a releasable connecting device for initially supporting said implement, operatingmeans connected with said implement through said device for moving said elements in a manner to secure said implement within av well bore, hydraulic means for urging said operating means in one direction from an initial position, yieldable means tending to return said operating means toits initial position, and an instrumentality operative upon return movement of said operating meansfor releasing said device and disconnecting said setting tool from said implement.

4. In a well tool; an implement adapted to be lowered within a well bore, including elements adapted when moved relatively to secure the implement therein, and a clutch mechanism adapted to permit movement of said elements in a manner tosecure the implement and restrain said Velements against return movement; and a setting tool for said implement, comprising: a releasable connecting device for initially supporting said implement, operating means connected with said implement through said'device for moving said elements in a manner to s cure said `implement within a well bore, hydrauic means for urging said operating means in one direction from an initial position, and yieldable means tending to return said operating means' to its initial position.

5. In a well tool; an implement adapted to be lowered within a .well bore, and including elements adapted when moved relatively to secure the implement therein; and a setting tool for said implement, comprising: a releasable connecting device for initially supporting said implement, a cylinder and piston therefor connected with said implement through said device, means for supplying fluid under pressure to urge said piston in one direction relative to said cylinder and cause movement of said elements in a manner to secure said implement, yieldable means tending to return said piston to its initial position, and an instrumentality operative upon return movement of said piston for releasing said device and disconnecting said setting tool from said implement.

6. In a well'tool; an implement adapted to be lowered within a well bore, including elements adapted when moved relatively to secure the ,im`

plement therein, and an instrumentality for restraining said `implement against subsequent release; and a setting tool for said implement, comprising: a releasable connecting device for initially supporting said implement, a cylinder and piston therefor connected with said implement through 'saiddevica means for supplying fluid under pressure to urge said piston in one direction relative to said cylinder and cause movement of said elements in a manner to secure said implements, yieldable lmeans tending toV return said' piston to its initial position, and an instrumentality operative upon return movement oi said piston for releasing said device-and disconnecting said setting tool from said implement.

7. In a well tool; an implement adapted to be 4lowered Vwithin a well bore,`and including 'ele-i implement, comprising: a releasable connecting ,device for initially supporting said implement, a cylinder and piston therefor connected withsaid implement through said device, an electrically operated pump for supplying fluid under pressure to 5 urge said piston in one direction from an initial` position and cause movement of said elements in a manner to secure said implement, yieldable means tending to return said piston to its initial position, and an instrumentality operative upoh l0 return movement of said piston for releasing said device and disconnecting said setting tool from said implement.

8. The combination with an implement adapted to be lowered Within awell bore and vhaving ele-- device and disconnecting said tool structure from said implement. l

9. The combination with an implement `adapted to be lowered within a well bore and having 30 elements capable of relative movement; o'f a tool structure, comprising: ka releasable connecting device for initially supporting said implement, a cylinder and piston therefor connected with said implement through said device, an electrically op- '35 erated pump forsupplying uid underfpressure to urge said piston inA one direction relative to said cylinder and cause a predetermined movement vo1 said elements', yieldable means tending to return said piston to its initial position, and an instrumentality operative upon return movement of said piston for releasing said device and disconnecting said m01 structure from said implement.

10. In a well tool; an implement adapted to be lowered within a-well bore, and including elements adapted when moved relatively to secure the implement therein; and a setting tool for said implement, comprising: a connecting member, key means for securing said connecting member to one of said elements, a key retainer moveable to release said -key means, a, reciprocable thrust member moveable in one direction to urge the other element while the first element is restrained relative to said connecting member, and a clutch mechanism connected with said key retainer and engageable with said thrust member during its return movement to move said key retainer clear of said key means.

11. The combination with an implement adapted to be lowered within a well bore and having elements capable of relative movement; of a tool structure, comprising: a connecting member, key means for securing said connecting member to one `of said elements, a key retainer moveable to release said key means, a reciprocable thrust member moveable in one direction to urge the other element while the irst element is restrained relative to said connecting member, and a clutch mechanism connectedwith'said key retainer and engageable with said thrust member during its return movement to move said key retainer clear of said key means.

- ARTHUR J. ZSCHOKKE. 

